Module Information

Module Identifier
LC27720
Module Title
Environmental Law
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Mr Gerald Schaefer
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LC37720
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 6 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   50%
Semester Assessment Essay  (2500 words)  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   50%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  (2500 words)  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. ​Describe the basis of the UK legal system, its relationship to the international systems and the legal framework governing regulation of the UK environment.

2. Discuss the relationships between the conceptual frameworks underpinning environmental law, and some statute and case law.

3. Describe the substance, structures and application of environmental law.

4. Compare different approaches to environmental regulation.

5. Appreciate the difficulties inherent to incorporating scientific evidence into legal rules and principles.

Brief description

This module introduces students to selected aspects of the legal rules and principles governing the regulation of the natural environment in the UK. In addition to providing knowledge of substantive UK environmental law, the module examines some of the underlying policy issues related to environmental protection. The module aims to develop critical perspectives on substantive legal issues by considering the complex social, economic and political context in which these rules and principles exist. It concludes with a detailed consideration of relevant examples as seen from an ecological perspective.

Content

The module introduces elements of the UK legal system in its social and legal context including key aspects such as habitual normative behaviour, legal principles and hierarchies of rules. Sources and principles of environmental law are then considered along with the concept of Common Law and its historical failure to protect the environment. This part of the module then introduces institutional arrangements underpinning environmental policies and principles, and the range of legal techniques used in environmental law.
The module then considers environmental law and regulation specific to pollution of the main environmental media (land, water and air) and to habitat conservation. This section provides a legal and regulatory perspective on the effectiveness of the Law in protecting terrestrial and marine environments, including some discussion of the problems encountered in achieving this protection.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number n/a
Communication Seminar discussions and the negotiation exercise will develop individual and group oral argument.
Improving own Learning and Performance Seminar participation, negotiation exercise and exam preparation will develop different aspects of personal academic development, from understanding and referencing sources through to the dissemination of ideas to others orally, and via written communication skills.
Information Technology Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and exam.
Personal Development and Career planning Recommended topic for the legal profession.
Problem solving Preparation for seminars, negotiation exercise and exam will involve problem scenarios for students to tackle.
Research skills These skills will be developed through preparation for seminars, negotiation exercise and the exam.
Subject Specific Skills Reading and understanding relevant materials in the field of Environmental Law.
Team work Group activities and discussion in seminars.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5